City of Moberly and a solar future?

Looking strangely like a plan set in motion by the Moberly School District, the City of Moberly is looking forward to using roof space to generate some income.

City council members received a proposal from Tom Sanders, Director of Community Development, regarding a solar leasing program during Tuesday's (Jan. 21) regular meeting. The projections show the city could see a positive cash flow of roughly $1,100 each month by implementing solar panels for energy use.

Sanders' proposal (which included profit estimates) was put together by EnergyLink (goenergylink.com). EngeryLink is the same company that the school district is positioned to use for a similar purpose.

The plan is very similar to MSD's plans. For the city, 11 buildings, with their vacant roofs, would hold leased solar panel equipment to generate electricity, which Ameren Missouri receives.

The partnership works much like a car lease — the city will pay a flat rate every month to Energylink, who, in trade, will provide the solar materials, installation, and maintenance of their solar setup.

EnergyLink proposes that the city will see a profit of $1,100 each month by way of the project, roughly netting them about $13,200 per year. The amount of electricity that Ameren will receive is worth close to $3,050 per month, while the lease only runs the city $1,984 per.

EnergyLink is going to be at the Feb. 3 city council meeting to offer a presentation to the council.